Today, a multi-purpose grinding machine is an indispensable mechanism that can provide indispensable assistance during certain technical work. Experts advise not to immediately buy an expensive machine for professional sharpening - it all depends on the needs (quality, volume or speed of sharpening). For example, when processing the edge of a simple knife or scissors, an amateur inexpensive machine is quite suitable, but if this is a turning workshop where you need to perform the amount of work, then a professional-level multifunctional sharpening sledge is just what you need.
Types of grinders
There are many types of household sharpening machines that are used depending on the needs. Professional models have more complex structural mechanisms, but they are used much less frequently than simple models (almost every home craftsman has them).
The main requirements of grinding machines are convenience and ease of use, while their reliability must be at a high level. Most manufacturers are trying to make sharpening devices more functional and versatile.
But, based on the variety of tools that can be sharpened, it is rather expensive to achieve 100% versatility.
Therefore, most universal grinding machines are designed to process components such as:
- circular saws;
- cutters for a lathe;
- knives (cutting or hunting);
- cutters;
- drill.
Machine categories
In practice, universal grinding machines can be divided into certain categories.
Based on the principle of the drive mechanism:
- handheld devices;
- mechanical, equipped with a motor.
Based on the number of operations that the device performs:
- narrowly focused;
- adjustable.
Each specific household type of equipment may have individual adjustment devices. This is important to consider when choosing a tool for further work.
The quality indicators of the end face of the blade, regardless of whether it is a chisel or a cutter, it all depends on the abrasive wheel chosen. It is worth noting that each type of metal requires an individual selection of the grit size of the abrasive wheel, which also has its own parameters.
Universal grinding machine MR-600
Characteristics of machines for sharpening
Important factors that influence the choice are:
- feature of the dimensions and dimensions of the machine;
- option to connect to the network;
- installation features;
- sharpening speed;
- materials and applied class when sharpening;
- level of versatility;
- accuracy of work performance;
- equipment power indicators.
Most machines are equipped with various electronic and electrical accessories. This determines their level of professionalism and versatility. As for the installation of machines, this does not require much, just a flat horizontal surface.
A universal sharpening machine, depending on the actions performed, can be classified in different ways, divided into certain groups:
- mechanical devices having a narrow focus;
- universal grinding machines.
The first group refers to equipment designed for sharpening the edges of specific cutting tools to which they belong (worm cutters, drills, band and disc saws and other active additions to other equipment).
The second group of devices is equipment that is required to sharpen the edges of a large number of tools. Most machines are equipped with adjustable mounts for added convenience and safety.
Operation features
Before starting the sharpening process, it is important to master certain adjustment skills using the rules of the instruction. It is also important to secure the process by using protective equipment (glasses or gloves). There are certain restrictions in the instructions, this applies to:
- maximum width;
- maximum drill diameter.
And also, before turning on the universal grinders, it is important to make preliminary settings, to set the appropriate distances between the blade and the grinding wheel (using the touch effect).
A transparent screen is often used as an additional protective measure (it is provided during the production of the equipment).
It is important to clearly define the sharpening angle, often this is done using adjustable sliders. In universal machines, the fastening of the workpiece for sharpening occurs with the help of brackets. They are made in the form of the letter "P". Fixing occurs with persistent bolts.
After the first switch-on, it is important to ensure that the wheel makes light contact with the workpiece. In most universal machines, the left hand of the operator should be responsible for the transverse feed, and the right hand for the longitudinal movement of the part.
It is important to ensure that the movement process is smoother. The blade should move along the edge of the working part of the circle. When using attachments when sharpening radius-type parts, it is important to properly fix the workpiece with a clamp.
It is important to pay attention to the metal from which the workpiece is made. Given this property, it is important to choose the right number of revolutions with which the cutting wheel rotates. If this parameter is exceeded, the workpiece can be “set on fire”.
Factory models of universal grinding machines
Many home crafters can make do-it-yourself machine designs, but factory-made general purpose grinders will always outperform in quality and speed.
Most factory universal grinding machines have a similar design. The case is made from sheets of iron coated with a polymer. If the device is intended for home use, then the frame can be made from a certain type of plastic.
The disc drive is an electric motor that rotates the gearbox (but there may be designs without it).
Regarding the number of abrasive wheels, we can say that there are several of them in universal equipment.
This is required for better processing of a simple or metal-cutting tool.
Sharpening equipment is divided into certain groups:
- Universal machines have templates. When using such devices, sharpening knives, cutters or various types can be performed. To increase the convenience of the process, the package contains conductors for adjusting the angle and position of the workpiece relative to the plane of the circle.
- With an assistant. When equipping machines with two or more abrasive wheels, it is important to choose the right supports for the stop. They are unusual, the degree is changed by manual adjustment (such devices require appropriate skills).
Many models of universal grinders that are intended for use in the home workshop are made with the templates mentioned above. This makes it possible, in the absence of skills, to secure the process and perform the work more efficiently.
Universal industrial and household grinding machines are in most cases used for do-it-yourself sharpening of all kinds of joinery.
Household mini-grinding units for the home, such as a universal desktop sharpening machine for flat knives, can work with planer knives, chisel blades and.
In addition, a home-made sharpening machine can be used to sharpen skates, and you can also sharpen an ax with it.
1 Types of grinding machines
Sharpening machines, presented as a tool for processing, can use a cone or a stone.
A multi-purpose home-made mini-grinding machine (grinder) can be used within a workshop or at home, and for large volumes of work it is more rational to use industrial units.
Universal grinding machines that use abrasive wheels (stones) or a cone for processing can be designed for processing:
- drills;
- cutters;
- circular saws;
- knives;
- band saws;
- incisors.
Drill sharpeners can be used in the workshop or at home. Its stone allows the processing of small tools (blades, cutters, drills).
Some universal modifications allow you to sharpen an ax or be used for processing the edges of skates.
A home-made mini-grinding machine (grinder), equipped with manual adjustment, allows you to work with small diameter tools of 3-18 cm with your own hands.
Coolant allows you to achieve high quality edges of skates, coolant can also be used in cases where an ax is sharpened. Such a self-made grinder with adjustment can be used for drills of a spiral or feather type.
The cone of the working element guarantees the correct angle of the resulting blade edge. A home-made grinding machine for desktop cutters, using coolant, helps to do professional sharpening with your own hands.
Flat knives, such as skate blades, can be processed using the Tormek t7 machine, or the Kolner kbg 200 370m multi-purpose grinder can also be selected for this operation.
The working stone of the Kolner kbg 200 370m unit, as well as the Tormek t7 devices, allows, thanks to the high number of revolutions, to process at home not only an ax or the surface of skates, but also cylindrical, spherical, oval or arch-like shapes.
The caliber of the part processed by the stone of the Kolner kbg 200 370m unit, the Tormek t7 device or the 3v642 machine can range from 2 to 28 cm.
A mini-configuration grinding and grinding machine with coolant applied to the cone contributes to the fact that flat-type milling cutters are sharpened with their own hands.
Devices for sharpening circular saws with their own hands on wood differ in their functionality from analogues 3v642 or Tormek t7.
The abrasive (cone) of such mini-aggregates is coated with diamond dusting. Such stones are processed at an angle from 0 to 30 ⁰ with a maximum number of revolutions up to 2000 per minute.
The choice of modification allows you to perform the process in manual or automatic mode. At the same time, the caliber possessed by the cone allows you to process the front and rear edges of each saw tooth on wood with your own hands at home.
Like the common Tormek t7 modifications, the presented universal unit allows you to make sharper blades not only for wood saws, but also for band saws.
The grinder can have software control like on a lathe, this helps to select modes and the number of revolutions.
2 Device and principle of operation
The Tormek t7 grinder, the 3v642 multi-purpose unit and other similar elements, circles with a diameter of 200 mm, are equipped with electric motors.
Before using the scheme to make such a device with your own hands, it is necessary to take into account the nuances of the device of the grinding and grinding machine.
The axis of the electric motor model 3v642 is installed with a shift to the right side by several degrees. This feature helps to sharpen an ax or saw on wood with your own hands quickly and with good results.
A grinding and sharpening cone or abrasive wheels are attached to the motor shaft of the 3v642 or Tormek t7 device. Cross feed occurs due to the node on which the stones (abrasive wheels) are placed.
If you need with your own hands to make a device similar to 3v642 or Tormek t7, then first of all you need to choose the caliber of the stone, which will differ in circles and a cone. It is also important to consider that the transverse motion feed is carried out during the operation of the unit.
The unit, both on the turning and on the grinding and grinding unit, is located on the guide. The grinding and grinding machine operates by means of a worm gear located on the frame.
The holder of the multi-purpose grinder for the home 3v642 has a handle. In order for the 3v642 desktop grinder to correctly process saw teeth on wood or skate blades, a special attachment is used, which is attached next to the holder.
It should be borne in mind that before choosing a desktop device for the home, you need to pay attention not only to the number of revolutions, but also to a special handpiece.
It will allow you to work with all kinds of locksmith tools - drills or cutters, and you can also sharpen an ax with it at home.
2.1 How to use the sharpener
The classification of types of work on a turning or grinding unit has several positions:
- with holder;
- with prefix processing along the radius;
- with an assistant.
The first option allows you to choose for processing tools designed for working with wood - planers, chisels, chisels, etc. It is also recommended to use the right amount of coolant in the process.
Before you make a choice of operating mode and set the desired number of revolutions, you need to set the slider of the machine to the leftmost position.
After that, a grinding-grinding cone is attached. The U-shaped bracket and clamping screws are installed with an orientation to the caliber of the part. This should be done at the edge that provides the removal of the finished chamfer.
In order to sharpen the ax or the edge of the skates, it is necessary to place the brackets parallel to the axis on which the cone is attached.
In this case, the circles can be placed with a gap of 2-3 mm. Then the switch is turned and the grinding and abrasive wheels are set in motion. Further, the operator of the skate sharpening machine can adjust the number of revolutions.
To do this, the transverse gear gradually rotates, and the edge of the tool with which the ax is processed is brought in so as to ensure a light touch.
Grinding-abrasive wheels begin to move along the blades of the skates or other parts. Next, 2-3 longitudinal movements are performed along the blades of the skates, during which the grinding and abrasive wheels are moved back to their original position.
We should also not forget about the periodic application of coolant, which needs a sharpening machine for flat knives. When carrying out radius sharpening, a special attachment is used to help obtain a spherical chamfer on the edge of the part.
Before starting the action, if necessary, you need to make a choice of such a value as the caliber of the circle. After the selection is made, you need to release the slider and disconnect the clamping type brackets.
Despite the complexity of the work, such a unit is more efficient than a disposable manual sharpener.
How to use a sharpening machine (video)
2.2 Popular models, specifications
The most popular and demanded models now are Tormek t7, Kolner kbg 200 370m and universal grinder 3v642.
The Kolner model can use stones (circles) with a diameter of up to 200 mm, has two rotation modules and a disk rotation speed of up to 2900 rpm. With a weight of 11 kg, the engine power of the unit can reach 370 W, and the rotation modules lie coaxially.
Using coolant, the machine can sharpen an ax in just 2-3 minutes. The Tormek model is equipped with a 200 watt motor capable of spinning the disc up to 90 rpm.
Differs in low noise level and high operational resource. In the basic configuration there are original circles with a diameter of 200 mm. The universal 3v642 can interact with parts with a diameter of up to 250 mm and is equipped with a hydraulic unit that feeds the working table.
The operation of equipment for cutting and processing metal leads to wear of the cutting tool. The restoration of its cutting properties and subsequent use in work became possible thanks to sharpening, which returns the parts to their original sharpness and accuracy. For this purpose, it is recommended to use machines for sharpening cutting tools.
Design features and range of equipment for tool sharpening
Depending on the capabilities of the machines, special and universal equipment are distinguished. The first category also includes devices for sharpening drills, circular saws, cutters, etc. The design of such equipment is adapted to work with a specific cutting tool. The group of universal ones includes equipment that is capable of sharpening several types of tools at the same time.
Given the cost of modern machine tools and their working elements, the economic benefits of having tool sharpening equipment become obvious. Its acquisition allows:
- Avoid long downtime of equipment;
- Achieve high quality cutting;
- Reduce the cost of finished products;
- Avoid a long search and waiting for the delivery of a new cutting tool;
- Make efficient use of existing equipment.
When choosing machines for sharpening metal-cutting tools, it is necessary to pay attention to a number of indicators, including:
- Universality or specialization;
- The speed and productivity of the machine;
- Requirements for installation and operation;
- Accuracy class;
- Power and degree of automation of the machine.
Companies that work with various types of cutting equipment should consider purchasing universal machines. They can be used to restore various cutting tools - reamers, countersinks, milling cutters, drills, taps, etc. A wide range of models allows you to choose a device that is suitable for sharpening parameters, speed and productivity, etc. On some devices, a diamond or elbor wheel can be installed, which sharpens the end or cutting edge. Setting the direction of sharpening - along or across - is adjusted manually. On semi-automatic machines, there is a hydraulic drive or an electric drive to move the table, while the machine can be equipped with a coolant supply system. The complete set of universal type machines provides for a wide range of basic and additional work operations, which significantly increases the functionality of the equipment.
Why is it profitable to buy machines for sharpening metal-cutting tools in Moscow in Kami?
The KAMI Association invites manufacturing enterprises operating in the field of metalworking for cooperation. The company's catalog contains a wide range of machines for sharpening cutting tools from leading manufacturers. All equipment is sold under the terms of quality assurance and favorable prices. You can ask questions of interest by calling the specified phone number.
Having found in my favorite set of drills for metal, which I admire more than I use, an 8 mm drill killed on concrete, I was very upset, because I definitely won’t be able to sharpen the drill as beautifully and correctly as it was sharpened initially.
Never. This circumstance served as a trigger for the spontaneous purchase of the monitored unit, which was found at the right time on the shelf of a construction hypermarket. It was promised that with its help it is possible to sharpen drills from 3 to 10 mm, and, apparently, special straightness of hands is not required for this:
A spare diamond disc was also purchased there: 
An Internet search showed that this machine can be bought in Russia under various brands for about 2000 rubles, it is also sold in its homeland, that is, in China. Yes, and thanks to the Chinese sellers, since they were not too lazy to post legible photographs-instructions, it is almost impossible to understand the small drawings of the Russian instructions that came with the machine.
So, we have the main block with a diamond grinding disc on one side. Below the disc is the pusher of the safety switch, which does not allow the motor to be turned on without the nozzle installed, and in the same area the nozzle lock: 
Nozzles are fixed in grooves, which are also on non-working faces, where nozzles can be simply stored. On the bottom of the block there are small rubber feet, which are not very resistant to the movement of the machine on the table, something like suction cups would be more appropriate. For stationary installation of the machine, there are holes for screws / self-tapping screws on the skirt of the main unit: 
There are only three nozzles. Note that the plastic of the nozzles makes a depressing impression, since it is not hard enough and not slippery, as a result, everything “walks” a little, and the parts that should move relative to each other easily warp and jam.
There is a platform with a magnet, while this platform can move in a horizontal direction and be set to the desired angle. There is even a protective shield. In appearance, everything is fine, but the platform wedges, and sharpening, as you can see, is not flat, but along the radius, which is unacceptable for a chisel. Also, the grain of the grinding disc is large, the surface is rough, and the edge is burred. Oh yes, there is also a device for sharpening awls: 
A long awl is enough, though it was not found, but sharpening the awl is so simple that no devices are required. This nozzle can be thrown away. The following, attachment for sharpening scissors and knives: 
The problem is the same - a rough disk, a rough sharpened surface, a lot of burrs. It is only suitable for the initial rough sharpening of scissors and knives, followed by mandatory fine-tuning on something with fine abrasive grain. And the scissors get a large area from the central screw, which remains not sharpened, since the nozzle casing interferes with this. This nozzle can also be thrown away. The last nozzle and the last chance to give at least some justification for the rationality of acquiring this machine. Nozzle for sharpening drills. How to use it is shown in the video:
Result: 
A drill with shiny edges is sharpened on this machine, drills with a yellowish coating next to it have an original sharpening. Basically, it works out well. Quick, easy, and you only need to control the symmetry of sharpening by eye. True, the surface is still rough and the edge is uneven, and the sharpening angle cannot be changed. Note that if you remove the nozzle and jam the safety switch with something, then on this diamond disk you can carefully modify the sharpening, for example, sharpen the back surface, reduce the jumper, etc. To finish the drill, that is, to smooth-grind surfaces, you will have to use another machine, but if you have more or less correct sharpening, this is not very difficult. It is a pity that this machine does not have a second disc with fine abrasive.
In total, if you need to sharpen drills, but there is no experience and skills for this, then this type of sharpening machine with the appropriate nozzle can help out. The rest of the attachments seem to be practically useless.
A device for sharpening a cutting tool is essential for completing both large-scale production and a home workshop. However, for this it is not always necessary to purchase a professional grinder. For processing the cutting edges of knives, scissors, chisels, etc. suitable for amateur equipment.
The principle of operation and classification of grinding equipment
All grinding machines work on the same principle - the blade of a knife or other cutting tool is in contact with the abrasive, as a result of which part of the material is removed. This results in the formation of a sharp edge.
To achieve this result, several types of construction are used. They differ from each other not only in configuration, but also in performance. For in-line production, the volume of work performed and their quality are important. In household models, the quality of knife sharpening plays a paramount role.
Depending on the layout, grinding machines can be of the following types:
- with holder. It is necessary to fix the processed tool. The supply of edges to the abrasive is carried out at the expense of the mechanical part of the machine;
- with an attachment. It serves as a latch to stop the main part of the tool. Contact with the sharpening part of the equipment is carried out by manually shifting the part. In this way, processing along the radius occurs;
- with an assistant. It is similar to the console, but has more advanced functionality. In models for home use, it can be multifunctional and have several types of grooves for installing different types of blades.
To increase the functionality of the equipment, it can have several design additions. In particular, the use of several abrasive wheels with different grain sizes, the possibility of automatic or semi-automatic operation, various auxiliary devices to improve quality.
Additionally, some grinding machines can perform the work of grinding the surfaces of workpieces. But for this they must have appropriate devices for fixing the blades.
Types of household grinders
Household grinding machines are one of the most popular types of equipment. Unlike professional models, they have a simple design, which ensures a long period of maintenance-free operation.
The main requirement for these designs is ease of operation and reliability. But despite this, manufacturers are trying to make them truly universal. In practice, achieving multifunctionality in a small-sized structure is very problematic. Therefore, professional home craftsmen prefer highly specialized equipment for sharpening cutters, drills or knives.
There is a conditional division of machines for working at home into the following categories:
- according to the principle of operation - with an electric motor or manual;
- by the number of operations performed - multifunctional with adjustment or with a narrow focus of work.
Moreover, each type of grinding machine has its own parameters. They must be considered when choosing equipment for the home.
The quality of the processing of the blades of a knife or chisel depends on the type of abrasive used. For each type of material, it is necessary to select a grinding disc with certain parameters.
Manual sharpening machines
It is impossible to call devices for sharpening knives or scissors fully machine tools. The main reason is the low degree of automation of the work. But despite this, manual models are very popular among home craftsmen.
To restore the sharpness of the blades, two processing principles can be used - with a movable or stationary abrasive. In the first case, the degree of sharpening angle is adjusted by changing the position of the abrasive, in the second case, by adjusting the degree of contact between the blade and the bar.
Despite the low cost of such models and the possibility of self-manufacturing their counterpart, they have a number of operational features:
- poor performance;
- the complexity of sharpening;
- obligatory presence of skills in the formation of the cutting edge. Moreover, the technology depends on the type of tool being processed.
The universal pendulum blade sharpener is the best option for sharpening knives and scissors. Due to the possibility of changing the position of the abrasive relative to the surface of the tool and the reliable fixation of the latter, the accuracy of the operation increases.
Factory models of equipment
Factory models of grinding machines equipped with an electric motor have greater productivity and ease of operation. The main feature is the use of an abrasive disc as a processing tool.
Sharpening machines of this type have a standard design. The body is made of sheet iron or polymeric materials. The frame of models for home use is most often made of plastic. Inside there is an electric motor, on the shaft of which one or two abrasive wheels are installed.
Based on the design features, grinding equipment can be divided into the following groups:
- With templates. Machines of this type belong to the category of universal. Using templates, you can sharpen knives, blades of various types, drills and some types of finger cutters. To do this, jig with adjustment is added to the package to set the correct position of the cutting part of the tool relative to the abrasive;
- With an assistant. Typically, a machine of this type has one or two abrasive discs and handholds (stands) to stop the tool. Changing the degree of sharpening angle is done manually, which requires certain skills from the worker.
Most models for home use are made with built-in templates. This allows, at a low level of qualification, to make high-quality sharpening of almost any tool.
When choosing a machine with the function of processing drills, you need to pay attention to the minimum and maximum diameter of the product, as well as the possibility of dressing.
Specifications
Before purchasing a grinding machine, you need to familiarize yourself with its performance. It is also important to initially decide on all types of tools that will need to be processed. Most often these are knives, scissors, chisels, drills. As an example, we can consider the characteristics of the popular model of the Energomash universal machine.
With it, you can sharpen blades of almost any configuration. To do this, grooves are provided on the body of the structure for installing one of the three conductors. Numerous adjustment mechanisms allow you to perform the operation to restore the previous sharpness of the cutting edges with high accuracy.
The main technical characteristics of the model:
- rated power of the electric motor - 0.1 kW;
- the number of revolutions of the power plant - 6700 rpm;
- the maximum width of the formed sharpening is 51 mm;
- processing of drills with a diameter of 2 to 10 mm;
- dimensions - 22 * 22 * 17.5 cm;
- weight - 1.8 kg.
Despite its small size, this machine can successfully process all types of household cutting tools. The disadvantages of this model include the relative unreliability of plastic conductors. During work, the clamping force should be controlled. Otherwise, deformation or breakage of the machine element may occur.
For sharpening knives in the design there is a special jig, in which there is a function of controlling the angle of the blade relative to the abrasive wheel. This parameter directly depends on the actual state of the cutting edge.
Operation features
Before starting work on the sharpening machine, it is necessary to study the operating instructions in detail. It indicates the maximum width of the processed blades, the permissible diameters of the drills. The machine is then pre-set. To do this, it is necessary to install the gearbox in the appropriate groove and, using the mechanisms, set the cutting edge to touch the abrasive wheel.
In the process of work, it is imperative to use protective equipment - work glasses. As an additional measure, a transparent screen is used, if such is provided for by the design of the machine. The increase in pressure on the tool during its processing should be minimal. Otherwise, deformation or uneven material removal may occur.
At the end of the work, the machine must be cleaned of chips and metal dust. If necessary, the condition of components and assemblies is checked. It is imperative to control the degree of wear of the abrasive wheel.
As an example, you can see the capabilities of a multifunctional model of a grinding machine:
